Snowberry
Symphoricarpos albus

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1.2-1.8 m high and spreads 1.2-1.8 m wide. The stems are wiry. It develops suckers. The flowers are pink and in clusters. The fruit are berries which are pale green but mature to pure white.

There are about 15-17 Symphoricarpus species. There are 7 Symphoricarpus species in tropical America. It can be invasive.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Britain, Canada, Central Asia, Europe, North America, Slovenia, South America, Tajikistan, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten or made into jelly. The leaves can be used to brew a wintergreen flavoured tea. The flowers are the source of a light coloured honey.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Pokec

Synonyms

Lonicera alba (L.) Druce; Vaccinium album L.; Xylosteon album (L.) Moldenke;